Soft Surface Quick Facts

Just like hard, nonporous surfaces, bacteria, viruses, and fungi can all thrive on soft surfaces for extended periods of time and contribute to the transmission of microrganisms. If left unaddressed, contaminated soft surfaces can pose a risk of infection and can undermine any hard surface disinfection routines your facility may have. Studies have demonstrated that:

92% of privacy curtains have been found contaminated 1 week after laundering1

Bacteria can survive on polyester for 90 days2

37% of facilities only launder privacy curtains when visibly soiled3

Bacteria can be transferred to and from fabric cushions to people4

More than 50% of beds & mattresses have been found to be contaminated with dangerous bacteria5

Soft Surface Strategies to Prevent HAIs

Because microorganisms can live on soft surfaces, adding a routine to address soft surfaces as part of your facility’s regular infection prevention practices may help reduce the transmission of HAIs. Steps you can take include:

Soft Surface High Touch Areas

To ensure that your staff is preventing the spread of pathogens via soft surfaces, make sure your environmental cleaning practices address soft surfaces in these areas:

Patient and Exam Rooms

Help prevent the spread of pathogens by regularly decontaminating fabrics and upholstered furniture that can harbor dangerous pathogens, including:

Privacy curtains

In-room couches

Bedside chairs

Cots

Drapes

Linens

Waiting and Reception Areas

As the first touchpoint for patients and families when they enter your facility, these areas are heavily trafficked and can contribute to cross-contamination if not properly cleaned. These items should be decontaminated regularly:

Chairs

Couches

Cushions

Rugs

Throw pillows

Work Stations

Nursing stations, reception desks and office spaces are all places where healthcare workers convene between patient care. Soft surfaces in these areas can become contaminated with dangerous pathogens that clinicians may inadvertently carry from one patient room to another. To prevent the spread of pathogens via soft surfaces, decontaminate these items regularly:

The infection risks associated with clothing and household linens in home and everyday life settings, and the role of laundry(Sally F. Bloomfield, Martin Exner, Carlo Signorelli, Kumar Jyoti Nath, Elizabeth A. Scott)Download Paper